JOB PURPOSE

The Academic Officer – Secondary Schools is responsible for driving academic excellence in the secondary education phase across the Rhodes Park Schools Group, with a focus on Ashford Academy and the secondary section of Rhodes Park School. The role encompasses oversight of curriculum design and implementation, teacher development, academic monitoring, examination readiness, and quality assurance in line with both the Zambian and Cambridge curricula.

Reporting directly to the Chief Academic Officer, this officer plays a key role in raising academic standards, strengthening secondary school operations, and ensuring learners are fully prepared for national and international assessments while receiving holistic support.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership and guidance for academic planning, curriculum implementation, and instructional strategy across secondary programs.
• Align teaching and learning to the standards of the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) and Cambridge Assessment International Education.
• Develop and track academic targets and strategic plans for improving secondary school performance.
• Work closely with Heads of Departments (HODs) and Deputy Head Teachers to ensure smooth academic operations.
• Lead academic timetable planning, exam calendar alignment, and subject allocation processes.
• Ensure effective curriculum delivery across key subject areas in both local and international curricula.
• Monitor lesson planning, schemes of work, and assessments for content accuracy, depth, and alignment.
• Coordinate mock exams, internal assessments, and remedial programs
• Conduct classroom observations, academic audits, and teaching effectiveness reviews.
• Develop intervention plans for underperforming departments, teachers, or learner groups.
• Plan and deliver subject-specific and cross-departmental professional development.
• Collaborate with school leadership to implement academic improvement strategies.
• Communicate regularly with parents on academic matters and learner performance.
• Represent the secondary schools in academic board meetings, inspections, and community events.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL COMPETENCIES

Preferred Academic and Professional Qualifications for All Positions

• Full Grade 12 certificate with 5 Credit or better;
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Education
• Qualified Teacher registered and licensed with The Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ)
• Must be familiar with the school pathways of Examinations Councils of Zambia (ECZ) and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)

Knowledge / Experience/Skills/Competencies

• Five (5) years of teaching experience at a reputable School
• A growth mindset
• Strong analytical skills
• Good communication skills, both oral and written
• Good administrative and interpersonal skills
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills
• Must hold high levels of integrity and professionalism
• Flexible to changing work needs
• Must be computer literate

• Provide leadership and guidance for academic planning, curriculum implementation, and instructional strategy across secondary programs.
• Align teaching and learning to the standards of the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) and Cambridge Assessment International Education.
• Develop and track academic targets and strategic plans for improving secondary school performance.
• Work closely with Heads of Departments (HODs) and Deputy Head Teachers to ensure smooth academic operations.
• Lead academic timetable planning, exam calendar alignment, and subject allocation processes.
• Ensure effective curriculum delivery across key subject areas in both local and international curricula.
• Monitor lesson planning, schemes of work, and assessments for content accuracy, depth, and alignment.
• Coordinate mock exams, internal assessments, and remedial programs
• Conduct classroom observations, academic audits, and teaching effectiveness reviews.
• Develop intervention plans for underperforming departments, teachers, or learner groups.
• Plan and deliver subject-specific and cross-departmental professional development.
• Collaborate with school leadership to implement academic improvement strategies.
• Communicate regularly with parents on academic matters and learner performance.
• Represent the secondary schools in academic board meetings, inspections, and community events.

• Strong analytical skills
• Good communication skills, both oral and written
• Good administrative and interpersonal skills
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills
• Must hold high levels of integrity and professionalism
• Flexible to changing work needs
• Must be computer literate

• Full Grade 12 certificate with 5 Credit or better
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Education
• Qualified Teacher registered and licensed with The Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ)
• Must be familiar with the school pathways of Examinations Councils of Zambia (ECZ) and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)